April 1, 2008

Does God Hate Ill Children?

It seems to me, that there exists a direct correlation between fundamentalist religious beliefs and unnecessary child death. A conclusion can be drawn that the more prominent and literal the belief in <insert your favorite deity here>, the more that deity tests faith, by killing innocent kids.

“Two followers of a fundamentalist Christian church that favours faith healing over conventional medicine are to be prosecuted for manslaughter after their daughter died of a treatable infection.

Carl and Raylene Worthington were indicted by a grand jury in Oregon’s Clackamas county following the death of their 15-month-old daughter Ava in March.

The toddler died of bronchial pneumonia and a blood infection, according to the state medical examiner’s office – both conditions that could have been treated with antibiotics.”

The notion that any rational human being living in the 21st Century, can believe that something other than medicine would heal illnesses, is a little hard to swallow. Apparently, there are plenty of people who would rather pray for miracles rather than save (or murder, depending on the point of view) an innocent 15-month-old life.

Okay, all rationality aside (for just a moment), let’s assume that your chosen deity actually cures the sick. Why not in this case? According to that god, the 15-month-old Ava therefore deserved to die, like a blood sacrifice? Furthermore, following the sacrifice, that deity then failed to protect it’s faithful followers by basically sending them to jail? What a horrible god! This particular god clearly hates its followers. Why would anyone believe in him?

Oh, right… I forgot that we cast rationality aside. Keep on praying, then! I’m sure that *your* flavor of god loves you and your kids more than Ava.